CM Bhagwant Mann’s Press Conference Cancelled; AAP Minister Targets Centre Over Fuel Price Hike

Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

The press conference scheduled to be addressed by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Chandigarh at 2 PM on Friday was cancelled, according to the Aam Aadmi Party office.

However, shortly before the cancellation, Punjab AAP president Aman Arora held a separate press conference and strongly criticised the Central government over the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices.

Arora alleged that immediately after the West Bengal elections, the Centre sharply increased the prices of domestic gas cylinders and has now raised petrol and diesel prices by more than ₹3 per litre. He said people across the country are already struggling with inflation and warned that continued price hikes could trigger public protests.

The AAP leader said the impact of increased fuel prices would be felt across all sectors, leading to higher inflation and greater financial pressure on common citizens. He also claimed that while the Centre is focusing on strengthening foreign relations, the domestic system is failing.

Taking a swipe at the Centre’s “work from home” messaging, Arora remarked that the government may eventually ask people to stay home entirely while promising to provide essential items like flour and pulses. He termed such appeals a sign of policy failure.

“No Objection to AIR, But to Those Conducting SIR”

During the press conference, Aman Arora also spoke about the ongoing SIR-related exercise and clarified that the Aam Aadmi Party has no objection to AIR itself, but objects to the way the exercise is being conducted.

He alleged that the Election Commission was functioning like an agent of the BJP and claimed the party had doubts over the intent behind the exercise. However, he added that there was no suspicion on government employees involved in the process, as the final publication of voter lists rests with the Centre.

Referring to West Bengal, Arora alleged that similar issues had surfaced there as well and maintained that the party’s concern was about the Election Commission’s intentions rather than the exercise itself.